Student Research News

Raven Bacchas, a second-year developmental psychology Ph.D. student, advises undergrads interested in research to “find what you’re most passionate about and really pursue any and all opportunities that get you closer and closer to your goals.” (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Raven Bacchas thrives in the EMPOWER Youth Lab

Sept. 22, 2026

The developmental psychology Ph.D. student, whose research focuses on the experiences of Multiracial and Multiethnic LGBTQIA+ people, has proven to be a prolific researcher and impactful mentor at VCU.

Ray Ifanga, a junior majoring in political science and African American studies, said, “I genuinely enjoy meeting people, building connections and being involved in different spaces on campus, which is definitely a shift from how shy and reserved I was when I first came to VCU.” (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Ray Ifanga sharpens his worldview at VCU

Sept. 9, 2026

In classes, research and student leadership, the junior and aspiring lawyer keeps Black communities in focus.

This summer, Aarushi Rao worked with Guangwei Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Medicine, to develop a tool that helps researchers analyze screening images from experiments more efficiently. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

In VCU neuroscience lab, undergraduate Aarushi Rao brought brainpower to new software

Aug. 27, 2026

The sophomore Honors College student and biology major spent her summer with researcher Guangwei Zhang, developing a tool to improve analysis of images.

Melody Ngo with medical student Sarah Lewicki and Adolfo Mauro, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics. Ngo worked on a research project this summer with Lewicki and Mauro. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU summer program propels undergraduate student's research

Aug. 18, 2026

Biology major Melody Ngo embraces how the Honors College and Wright Center offer ‘a crash run in what it is like to work in a lab day to day.’

Physics major Jazlyn Lopez Silva spent her summer learning how to manufacture and 3D print a new material for biomedical devices. (Jake Burns, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Undergraduate researcher Jazlyn Lopez Silva targets better medical implants

Aug. 14, 2026

The physics major is developing a 3D-printed, conductive polymer in the lab of VCU nanoscientist Daeha Joung.

Environmental studies major Cree Taylor (left) spent her summer flying in planes, working in the field and learning to code through NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program. (Contributed photo)

NASA summer program helped Cree Taylor soar – and land on her academic focus

Aug. 10, 2026

The agency’s Student Airborne Research Program encouraged the self-identified ‘dabbler’ to home in on research with a personal connection.

Students in the Field Experiences in Anthropology course helped research the ancient DNA of corn pollen. (Contributed photo)

VCU Rice Rivers Center offers its first coordinated summer session

Aug. 10, 2026

With hands-on learning and high-tech tools, the field station hosts five courses that explore the land, water and air along the James River.

VCU environmental studies major Jasmine Cuellar turned her passion for birds into a multi-year research project. (VCU Social Media staff, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Jasmine Cuellar spends summer with the songbirds

Aug. 4, 2026

Along the James River and its system of nesting boxes, the VCU environmental studies student is researching how temperature affects prothonotary warbler nestlings.

Mary Carson sets up a game camera for collecting behavior and diet data outside a focal box. (Contributed image)

Internship amid falcons takes Mary Carson’s research to new heights

July 23, 2026

Working at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania is a natural fit for the biology and environmental studies major who is part of VCU’s Avian Ecology Lab.

From bulky to body-ready: Reimagining vibration therapy as a wearable platform

July 14, 2026

Daeha Joung and his research team are transforming rigid vibration therapy devices into comfortable, wearable tech for patients with Parkinson's and other neurological disorders.